**President Tinubu, Scrap 'Unlawful' Phone-Tapping Rules, SERAP Urges** In a move that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power in Abuja, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to scrap the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019. According to SERAP, the rules are unconstitutional, unlawful, and inconsistent with Nigeria's international obligations. The organisation's request is based on the alleged interception of the phone call of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai claimed that the NSA's call was tapped during a conversation where he was discussing his plans to arrest the NSA. This incident highlights the dangers of mass surveillance and the need for robust safeguards to protect citizens' rights to privacy and freedom of expression. SERAP argues that the LICR 2019 establishes a sweeping mass surveillance regime that violates Nigerians' human rights. The regulations grant overly broad and vague powers to intercept communications on grounds such as national security, economic wellbeing, and public emergency, without adequate judicial safeguards, independent oversight, transparency, or effective remedies. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the implications of these regulations are grave. Surveillance measures that lack strict necessity, proportionality, and independent judicial oversight can easily be weaponised against political opponents, journalists, civil society actors, and election observers. The use of intercepted data for intimidation, political advantage, or disinformation would fundamentally undermine Nigerians' right to political participation and electoral integrity. Free and fair elections depend on confidential communications, protected journalistic sources, and open democratic debate. SERAP has given President Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw the regulations and initiate a transparent and inclusive legislative process to ensure that any lawful interception framework complies with constitutional safeguards, judicial oversight requirements, and Nigeria's international human rights obligations. If this is not done, SERAP has threatened to take legal action. This development is a critical test of President Tinubu's commitment to upholding the rights of Nigerians and ensuring that the country's democratic process is transparent and fair. As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, it is essential that the government takes steps to protect citizens' rights and prevent the misuse of surveillance powers.